Animal intelligence is a very subjective matter. No matter if you own a parrot, or a cat, or even a ferret, a hedgehog or a rabbit, you’ll definitely consider it to be the most special creature on the planet. But some of our fellow Earth inhabitants have been scientifically proven to posses a great amount of intelligence. Let’s have a look at the 7 most intelligent animals on Earth, besides monkeys. You’ll probably reconsider your future pet choice after this one.

#7. RAVENS or even CROWS, their close relatives

Ravens make us think of darkness and creepiness. So don’t push your luck when it comes to them, because they are extremely smart. They are the absolute champions of multi-tasking. Researchers from Canada and Scotland have shown that ravens use logic to understand their surroundings in a way that may surpass the ability of the great apes. The crow, a close cousin to the raven, is also an extremely smart bird. These birds use tools such as pebbles to attack predators in the world of birds. Moreover the most interesting thing about them is the fact that crows drop nuts in traffic lines to break husks and get food. They’re also smart enough to break nuts by dropping them from a sufficient height.

#6. CEPHALOPODS and their big brains

The cephalopod brain surrounds the esophagus, but shares with the human brain features of complexity such as folded lobes and distinct regions for processing visual and tactile information. They play, get bored, solve problems, navigate through mazes and have an impressive short-term memory.

#5. PIGS are clean and sensitive

Pigs are scientifically proven to be the smartest, cleanest domestic animals known, more than cats and dogs. Their affinity for mud is a consequence for not having sweat glands. So they just want to stay cool, not necessarily get dirty. They also have emotion, sensitivity, hurt feelings and are easily bored. They are very sociable to humans and they are trainable. In laboratories, pigs play video games better than primates. Pigs can also dream and recognize their own names. Awwww!

#4. SHEEP are brilliant

Sheep can remember and identify animal faces and also human faces better than humans. It was discovered that their memory is incredible. They are very attached to each other and always work together in case of danger. Moreover, they exhibit a wide range of emotions and response to various things going on around them, which also shows a high level of intelligence.

#3. RATS can predict possibilities

Rats have very good long-term memories and are excellent when it comes to adapting to changing situations. They have roles inside their communities. They are great at teamwork. Widely used in research, the lab rat has been known to find shortcuts, loopholes and escape routes in the laboratory experiments designed by the top scientific minds of our time. They use their senses keenly to detect bombs, landmines and even the bacteria that can cause tuberculosis. They also have emotions, like stress, excitement and remorse.

#2. DOLPHINS are the playful children

Dolphins can laugh, or even watch television on their own because of their ability to process acoustic and visual information at the same time. They can also recognize themselves in the mirror, which they use to inspect their own bodies, like no other marine animal. They understand numerical concepts as well. Studies have shown that they even have the ability to choose the “I don’t know” option during difficult tests.

#1. ELEPHANTS are like the Dalai Lama

Elephants are very deep creatures. Apart from their artistic inclinations, are capable of altruism, sacrificing themselves for the betterment of the rest of the herd. They bury their dead properly, the only other animal to do besides man. They also know which leaves are medicinal and will chew on specific plants depending on the sickness they are feeling. They also have the ability to recognize themselves in the mirror.

Now you’re on your own. Good luck with choosing your future pet using the criteria given above. I know this is a tough one.